JULY 25, MONDAY
I went to the Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach and bought the Wilmington Star-News and read it on the front porch of the condo and had my coffee. Walked the beach and had dinner at Highway 55, used to be called Andy's, and had their great Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The performer had not started at the Trailer Bar so went to Gallagher's for a drink.
Back to the condo and enjoyed the ocean view from the upper floor (3rd) and then a real pretty sunset over the sound.
We have a nice view of both the ocean and the sound from the upper floor of the condo.
Relaxing and Eating. --RoadDog
A CASE OF BLACK DEATH: An elderly priest was tending his beloved roses when a passerby stopped to ask how the roses were doing. He said not bad, but they suffered from "a disease peculiar to this area known as the the 'black death'." The passerby asked what that was and the priest replied, "Nuns with scissors."
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Showing posts with label Topsail Beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Topsail Beach. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Monday, August 3, 2015
N.C. Summer Trip 2015-- Part 8: Coming Home
JULY 29, 2015
Spent this day getting ready to go back to Goldsboro. Took a last walk along the beach collecting shells and "lima beans." Checked out the cemeteries where Dad and my grandparents are buried once we got back into Wayne County, where Goldsboro is located.
Went to Cook-Out in Goldsboro for dinner, They have probably the best Carolina BBQ deal around. For $3.99 you get a big helping of pulled pork, cole slaw, hush puppies and fries. And their BBQ is as good as any you can get elsewhere.
Bob and Chia came over. Chia made some of her absolutely famous dessert and also a big bag of jerky for me.
In Jerky Heaven. --RoadJerk
Spent this day getting ready to go back to Goldsboro. Took a last walk along the beach collecting shells and "lima beans." Checked out the cemeteries where Dad and my grandparents are buried once we got back into Wayne County, where Goldsboro is located.
Went to Cook-Out in Goldsboro for dinner, They have probably the best Carolina BBQ deal around. For $3.99 you get a big helping of pulled pork, cole slaw, hush puppies and fries. And their BBQ is as good as any you can get elsewhere.
Bob and Chia came over. Chia made some of her absolutely famous dessert and also a big bag of jerky for me.
In Jerky Heaven. --RoadJerk
Saturday, August 1, 2015
N.C. Summer 2015 Trip-- Part 7: Hanging Out at the Beach
JULY 26-28, 2015
Sunday to Tuesday, we just stayed at the beach. I tell you, walking the beach, sitting out on the beach and wading (not too deep, sharks you know) is a mighty tough job, but I was just the guy to do it.
The folks who rented the big place across the street on the ocean were from the Quad Cities in Illinois and have been coming to Topsail Beach for 30 years. This time they have all their grandkids, but they plan to come back in September, just the two of them.
A group of gals was at another cottage to the south of us. Their kids were all off at camp and the girls were all off at the beach.
But, Wednesday we drove back to Goldsboro.
--RoadDog
Sunday to Tuesday, we just stayed at the beach. I tell you, walking the beach, sitting out on the beach and wading (not too deep, sharks you know) is a mighty tough job, but I was just the guy to do it.
The folks who rented the big place across the street on the ocean were from the Quad Cities in Illinois and have been coming to Topsail Beach for 30 years. This time they have all their grandkids, but they plan to come back in September, just the two of them.
A group of gals was at another cottage to the south of us. Their kids were all off at camp and the girls were all off at the beach.
But, Wednesday we drove back to Goldsboro.
--RoadDog
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
N.C. Summer Trip 2015-- Part 5: The Wilmington (NC) Star-News
July 24, Friday
Picked up a copy of the Wilmington (NC) Star News yesterday at Wal-Mart, but when I'm at Topsail Beach to get the paper, I go over each morning to either the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier or Godwin's Store. Both date back to the earliest days of Topsail Beach and Topsail Island after it was opened to civilians. The military did testing on rockets on the is;land after World War II.
I went to the Jolly Roger today. A copy of the newspaper now costs 75 cents. It was 50 cents last year. This is one of my favorite newspapers.
Spent the day out on the beach, on the condo deck and out at the gazebos in the back yard. That grass is like a carpet. You step on it and sink down.
The air conditioner broke down so it was quite the hot night with just fans.
--RoadDog
REDNECK COMPUTER TERNS: CHIP-- Yer cusin's uncle's mother's boyfriend's name.
Picked up a copy of the Wilmington (NC) Star News yesterday at Wal-Mart, but when I'm at Topsail Beach to get the paper, I go over each morning to either the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier or Godwin's Store. Both date back to the earliest days of Topsail Beach and Topsail Island after it was opened to civilians. The military did testing on rockets on the is;land after World War II.
I went to the Jolly Roger today. A copy of the newspaper now costs 75 cents. It was 50 cents last year. This is one of my favorite newspapers.
Spent the day out on the beach, on the condo deck and out at the gazebos in the back yard. That grass is like a carpet. You step on it and sink down.
The air conditioner broke down so it was quite the hot night with just fans.
--RoadDog
REDNECK COMPUTER TERNS: CHIP-- Yer cusin's uncle's mother's boyfriend's name.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
N.C. Summer 2015 Trip-- Part 4: A Beachin' We Go, National Hot Dog Day, Rainy Days and Hot Dogs
JULY 23, THURSDAY
Made entries to all blogs as getting on the internet at Topsail Beach is hit or miss, usually miss.
On the road and, as usual, stopped by the cemeteries to visit those who have gone on, especially Dad at Willowdale and his parents at Wayne memorial, but we had to get out of there fast because of a huger funeral they were having for a former fire chief in the area. They had two fire trucks with ladders extended and an American flag draped over it.
Took US-117 to I-40 to the exit where we got off and got back on US-117 which we took to Paul's Place Famous Hot Dogs in Rocky Point, N.C. My family has been going there for as long as I remember and even before (opened in 1928).
It was National Hot Dog Day and what better place to celebrate it than atthis place. Meat shortages in WWII caused them to develop one of the best relishes I've ever tasted. Add mustard, onions and serve the hot dog on a moist bun and you have some mighty fine eating.
Took US-17 to NC-50 onto Topsail island, through Surf City and south to Topsail Beach, arriving shortly before a huge storm broke loose.
Three Hot Dogs and Drink for $5.99. --RoadDog
REDNECK COMPUTER TERMS: BYTE-- What yer pit bull did to cousin Jethro.
Made entries to all blogs as getting on the internet at Topsail Beach is hit or miss, usually miss.
On the road and, as usual, stopped by the cemeteries to visit those who have gone on, especially Dad at Willowdale and his parents at Wayne memorial, but we had to get out of there fast because of a huger funeral they were having for a former fire chief in the area. They had two fire trucks with ladders extended and an American flag draped over it.
Took US-117 to I-40 to the exit where we got off and got back on US-117 which we took to Paul's Place Famous Hot Dogs in Rocky Point, N.C. My family has been going there for as long as I remember and even before (opened in 1928).
It was National Hot Dog Day and what better place to celebrate it than atthis place. Meat shortages in WWII caused them to develop one of the best relishes I've ever tasted. Add mustard, onions and serve the hot dog on a moist bun and you have some mighty fine eating.
Took US-17 to NC-50 onto Topsail island, through Surf City and south to Topsail Beach, arriving shortly before a huge storm broke loose.
Three Hot Dogs and Drink for $5.99. --RoadDog
REDNECK COMPUTER TERMS: BYTE-- What yer pit bull did to cousin Jethro.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Back Home Again-- Part 4: Goodbye Beach
July 29th, Tuesday: Newspaper pickup at the Jolly Roger Pier, later, Bob and I walked the mile to the pier and sat out on it listening to fishermen tales.
We all went out to the Crab Pot out by the Swing Bridge and had an excellent seafood lunch. This place is attached to a place where you buy fresh seafood right off the boats so you can't get much more fresh than that. Quite the rustic place.
I spent three hours out on the beach in the afternoon.
Played North Carolina Monopoly at night. Interesting N.C.-centered game.
July 30th, Wednesday Spent time on the beach again before leaving for Goldsboro. Stopped at Paul's Famous Hot Dogs at Rocky Point on the way back.
--RoadDog
SIGNS OF OLD AGE: You run out of breath walking DOWN a flight of stairs.
We all went out to the Crab Pot out by the Swing Bridge and had an excellent seafood lunch. This place is attached to a place where you buy fresh seafood right off the boats so you can't get much more fresh than that. Quite the rustic place.
I spent three hours out on the beach in the afternoon.
Played North Carolina Monopoly at night. Interesting N.C.-centered game.
July 30th, Wednesday Spent time on the beach again before leaving for Goldsboro. Stopped at Paul's Famous Hot Dogs at Rocky Point on the way back.
--RoadDog
SIGNS OF OLD AGE: You run out of breath walking DOWN a flight of stairs.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Back Home Again-- Part 3
July 25-30th, I spent at Mom's place at Topsail Beach, North Carolina with some outstanding weather.
I love the beach, and spent the time reading newspapers, magazines and writing in my journal both on the beach and various levels of decks. Enjoyed walking along the beach, collecting shells and those unique lima bean stones (as I call them). Spent considerable time "camped" out in the sand on the beach as well.
Monday, July 28th, was quite hot so took a drive southward to near the South Carolina line. Had those great Britt's Donuts at the Carolina Beach boardwalk, looked at where the old cottage was and drove all the way to "The Rocks" at the end of the peninsula.
Sorry to find Fort Fisher closed Sundays and Mondays. Took the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry across to Southport and drove around that quaint old river town. Then drove to Caswell Beach and Holden Beach before returning to Topsail Beach.
--RoadDog
SIGNS OF OLD AGE: You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
I love the beach, and spent the time reading newspapers, magazines and writing in my journal both on the beach and various levels of decks. Enjoyed walking along the beach, collecting shells and those unique lima bean stones (as I call them). Spent considerable time "camped" out in the sand on the beach as well.
Monday, July 28th, was quite hot so took a drive southward to near the South Carolina line. Had those great Britt's Donuts at the Carolina Beach boardwalk, looked at where the old cottage was and drove all the way to "The Rocks" at the end of the peninsula.
Sorry to find Fort Fisher closed Sundays and Mondays. Took the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry across to Southport and drove around that quaint old river town. Then drove to Caswell Beach and Holden Beach before returning to Topsail Beach.
--RoadDog
SIGNS OF OLD AGE: You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Aye, 'Tis a Beach Life for Me-- Pt. 1
THURSDAY, JULY 12TH
Recovering from the long drive and enjoying the new deck at the Topsail Arms at the south end of Topsail Island. Took a long walk along the beach and found quite a few interesting shells and the "lima bean" stones.
Did some wading in the water and pitched the umbrella for some beach reading.
FRIDAY, JULY 13TH
Another walk on the beach. The waves have created a nice tidal pool which is always a special place.
Highlight of today was the arrival of my Aunt Louise, Cousin Debbie and her husband Rob, Aunt Louise still lives in Mt. Olive. Rob and Debbie are now from Petersburg, Virginia. Rob is retired and Debbie still works. We had a great lunch that Mom prepared of shrimp and crabcakes.
Rob is a history buff like me and says his house is on land that was formerly City Point which was the huge Union supply depot during the Civil War. he once found a canteen while digging in his yard. Later this month he goes on an archaeological dig at the site of an early 19th century pottery place.
After they left, I went over to Surf City's Sound Side Park where the Uncle Harry Band was playing at the band shell. On the way back, I picked up a two-liter bottle of Cheerwine pop, a NC classic.
A Bad Day at the Beach Is.... --RoadDog
Recovering from the long drive and enjoying the new deck at the Topsail Arms at the south end of Topsail Island. Took a long walk along the beach and found quite a few interesting shells and the "lima bean" stones.
Did some wading in the water and pitched the umbrella for some beach reading.
FRIDAY, JULY 13TH
Another walk on the beach. The waves have created a nice tidal pool which is always a special place.
Highlight of today was the arrival of my Aunt Louise, Cousin Debbie and her husband Rob, Aunt Louise still lives in Mt. Olive. Rob and Debbie are now from Petersburg, Virginia. Rob is retired and Debbie still works. We had a great lunch that Mom prepared of shrimp and crabcakes.
Rob is a history buff like me and says his house is on land that was formerly City Point which was the huge Union supply depot during the Civil War. he once found a canteen while digging in his yard. Later this month he goes on an archaeological dig at the site of an early 19th century pottery place.
After they left, I went over to Surf City's Sound Side Park where the Uncle Harry Band was playing at the band shell. On the way back, I picked up a two-liter bottle of Cheerwine pop, a NC classic.
A Bad Day at the Beach Is.... --RoadDog
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
To Topsail Beach, NC
I did get to go to one of my favorite places, Topsail Beach, North Carolina. Mom has a town home there on the second row, meaning that it is in the second row of homes from the ocean. Just a row of cottages and a street separating it. But with the way the ocean is coming in, who knows, it might get to be front row, as Bob Uecker would say.
MARCH 23RD
Took US-117 to the extension to I-40 all the way to Rocky Point near Wilmington where we got off I-40 and back on US-117 to Paul's Place for some of their great hot dogs (since the 1920s).
Then to the place. Watched the NCAA games.
MARCH 24TH
Hit and miss with the weather. Sunny then threatening, then rain off and on. Spent time out on deck and taking stuff down from outside walls as the decks, stairs and exterior are to be replaced starting Monday.
Friend and Topsail Beach Commissioner Julian Bone stopped by and said there will be beach replenishment with sand taken from Topsail Inlet to deepen it.
We were going to go into Holly Springs to eat, but had a huge downpour and the roads in Topsail Beach and Surf City really get flooded when that happens so stayed in and Mom made up her famous spaghetti. Watched more b-ball games. Real big storm after midnight.
MARCH 25TH
Took a long walk on the beach with lots of jellyfish washed up on it. Watched some of the Kentucky game but a blow out so stopped. Enjoyed some more deck time before leaving.
A Day or Two at Da Beach. Good Livin'. --RoadDog
MARCH 23RD
Took US-117 to the extension to I-40 all the way to Rocky Point near Wilmington where we got off I-40 and back on US-117 to Paul's Place for some of their great hot dogs (since the 1920s).
Then to the place. Watched the NCAA games.
MARCH 24TH
Hit and miss with the weather. Sunny then threatening, then rain off and on. Spent time out on deck and taking stuff down from outside walls as the decks, stairs and exterior are to be replaced starting Monday.
Friend and Topsail Beach Commissioner Julian Bone stopped by and said there will be beach replenishment with sand taken from Topsail Inlet to deepen it.
We were going to go into Holly Springs to eat, but had a huge downpour and the roads in Topsail Beach and Surf City really get flooded when that happens so stayed in and Mom made up her famous spaghetti. Watched more b-ball games. Real big storm after midnight.
MARCH 25TH
Took a long walk on the beach with lots of jellyfish washed up on it. Watched some of the Kentucky game but a blow out so stopped. Enjoyed some more deck time before leaving.
A Day or Two at Da Beach. Good Livin'. --RoadDog
Monday, August 29, 2011
Down in North Carolina: Wednesday, Aug. 24th: Gettin' the Hell Out of Topsail
Sat out by the beach for a couple hours. Absolutely beautiful day, even with ol' Irene approaching the US coast. Lots (well, for Topsail Beach) of people out on the beach. If you're looking for uncrowded beaches, this is where you want to come.
Did some last minute anti-hurricane work at Graham's place and then at Mom's (more dadburn shutters).
After a lunch of left-overs from last night's feast at the Smokehouse in Holly Ridge, I was off for the Wilmington (ILM) Aitport. I took US-17 all the way past I-40 to Castle Hayne Road and then a few miles to the airport, much easier than the Wilmington traffic hassle.
Checked the Mazda 6 in at Thrifty Car Rental. If I ever were to buy a "foreign" car, this would be it. I really like the design.
They even have rocking chairs in the small airport, which was a training field name Bluethenthal during World War II (Wilmington wants to be America's first World War II city because of all the stuff that happened there during it (see my history blog.)
Nice and small also. Relaxing, if you can do that at an airport.
Flying Home. --RoadDog
UNIVERSAL TRUTHS: We call our GPS, the English-speaking gal, either Sally or Nancy, depending upon which name comes to mind first.
Did some last minute anti-hurricane work at Graham's place and then at Mom's (more dadburn shutters).
After a lunch of left-overs from last night's feast at the Smokehouse in Holly Ridge, I was off for the Wilmington (ILM) Aitport. I took US-17 all the way past I-40 to Castle Hayne Road and then a few miles to the airport, much easier than the Wilmington traffic hassle.
Checked the Mazda 6 in at Thrifty Car Rental. If I ever were to buy a "foreign" car, this would be it. I really like the design.
They even have rocking chairs in the small airport, which was a training field name Bluethenthal during World War II (Wilmington wants to be America's first World War II city because of all the stuff that happened there during it (see my history blog.)
Nice and small also. Relaxing, if you can do that at an airport.
Flying Home. --RoadDog
UNIVERSAL TRUTHS: We call our GPS, the English-speaking gal, either Sally or Nancy, depending upon which name comes to mind first.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Down in North Carolina
Arrived here at Topsail Beach yesterday after taking a bus from the Brat Stop in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to O'Hare Airport in Chicago and flying American Airlines to Wilmington, North Carolina, renting a car from Thrifty Rental and getting lost in the city for awhile.Lots and lots of traffic and red light photo cameras in the city.Drove US-17 to NC-50 to Topsail Beach.
Mom had bought bbq and fried chicken from Smithfield's in Warsaw and we had that for dinner last night. Mmmmmm, Carolina barbecue, nothing could be finer.
A bit of rain here this morning. Hope to get out for a walk on the beach in a bit.
Good to Be Back. --RoadDog
Mom had bought bbq and fried chicken from Smithfield's in Warsaw and we had that for dinner last night. Mmmmmm, Carolina barbecue, nothing could be finer.
A bit of rain here this morning. Hope to get out for a walk on the beach in a bit.
Good to Be Back. --RoadDog
Friday, June 26, 2009
Walkin' On the Beach
This morning, I walked a mile up the beach to the Jolly Roger pier.
Lots of the "lima bean" stones and small seashells. Got off the beach and went to Godwin's and bought the Raleigh News & Observer and Wilmington Star-News. Had to read about the deaths yesterday of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson as well as the basketball draft. About three good-sized cats lounging outside the door and it was alright to go inside barefoot. Definitely not you big box store.
On the way, I saw a lady digging near the base of a a sand dune and several people watching from a walkway. On the way back, I found that she was one of the turtle patrol and last night, a sea turtle had come ashore and laid a batch of eggs.
They will be hatching in between sixty and seventy days. A watch will be enacted after 52 days.
Sea turtles are very much a fabric of Topsail Island life. So far this year, there have been nine nests at Topsail Beach and 26 along the whole island.
As a matter of fact, Mom named the condo "Hatch Haven" because of the turtles. It was Andrea's suggestion, and just perfect.
Lovin' the Beach. --RoadDog
Lots of the "lima bean" stones and small seashells. Got off the beach and went to Godwin's and bought the Raleigh News & Observer and Wilmington Star-News. Had to read about the deaths yesterday of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson as well as the basketball draft. About three good-sized cats lounging outside the door and it was alright to go inside barefoot. Definitely not you big box store.
On the way, I saw a lady digging near the base of a a sand dune and several people watching from a walkway. On the way back, I found that she was one of the turtle patrol and last night, a sea turtle had come ashore and laid a batch of eggs.
They will be hatching in between sixty and seventy days. A watch will be enacted after 52 days.
Sea turtles are very much a fabric of Topsail Island life. So far this year, there have been nine nests at Topsail Beach and 26 along the whole island.
As a matter of fact, Mom named the condo "Hatch Haven" because of the turtles. It was Andrea's suggestion, and just perfect.
Lovin' the Beach. --RoadDog
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What a View!! Topsail Beach, NC
Sitting here at 5:34 PM, a clicking away with my two fingers, and being very distracted by the Atlantic Ocean, just across the street in front of the cottage, the front row of houses, sand dunes, and then the water. You know, type a bit, gaze a bit. We are what is called the second row.
White caps out there today as there is a stiff breeze now upon the beach. A little while ago, I was on the beach, now at low tide, and had to hold the umbrella to keep it from blowing away. Also took a mile walk along the beach early this morning.
We were supposed to be visiting a Greek island today, and docking in Athens tomorrow, where we were to disembark from the Royal Princess. We were going to remain for a couple more days to see the sights there, before flying home Saturday.
Sometimes, the Best-Laid Plans. --RoadDog
White caps out there today as there is a stiff breeze now upon the beach. A little while ago, I was on the beach, now at low tide, and had to hold the umbrella to keep it from blowing away. Also took a mile walk along the beach early this morning.
We were supposed to be visiting a Greek island today, and docking in Athens tomorrow, where we were to disembark from the Royal Princess. We were going to remain for a couple more days to see the sights there, before flying home Saturday.
Sometimes, the Best-Laid Plans. --RoadDog
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Not Much Fun at the Beach
A Beachin' I did go, but a'sunnin' and a beach walkin' I didn't do much, but I did go a boatin'.
On Friday March 28th, Mom and I drove to Topsail Beach, stopping at Smithfield's BBQ and Chicken in Warsaw for lunch. It is a chain mostly along NC's interstates, but serves up good Carolina 'cue.
Got to the beach and enjoyed what turned out to be the best day of the trip, even though the wind did have some chill in it, but at least it was sunny. Spent a lot of time with Graham and Vicki, my cousins. who have the condo next to Mom's.
Saturday, March 29th-- overcast ans way too cool for late March at the beach. Had a great potluck featuring some more great Carolina cue as preepared by David, who owns the condo next to us. Of course, he has a pedigree in 'cue as he owns Howard;s BBQ in Lillington, NC, right on the Cape Fear River and one of my favorite roads, US-421 which I have driven the whole length from its northern terminus in Michigan City, Indiana, to the "Rocks: by Fort Fisher, NC.
Afterwards, we had the annual condo meeting where a lot of monetary stuff was discussed. Not much excitement, plus, we probably should eat AFTER the meeting, not before it.
There are six condos in the Topsail Arms. Met the two newest owners, a couple from Athens, Ohio. They bought their unit about two years ago and thought they got a great deal at $360,000.
On Friday March 28th, Mom and I drove to Topsail Beach, stopping at Smithfield's BBQ and Chicken in Warsaw for lunch. It is a chain mostly along NC's interstates, but serves up good Carolina 'cue.
Got to the beach and enjoyed what turned out to be the best day of the trip, even though the wind did have some chill in it, but at least it was sunny. Spent a lot of time with Graham and Vicki, my cousins. who have the condo next to Mom's.
Saturday, March 29th-- overcast ans way too cool for late March at the beach. Had a great potluck featuring some more great Carolina cue as preepared by David, who owns the condo next to us. Of course, he has a pedigree in 'cue as he owns Howard;s BBQ in Lillington, NC, right on the Cape Fear River and one of my favorite roads, US-421 which I have driven the whole length from its northern terminus in Michigan City, Indiana, to the "Rocks: by Fort Fisher, NC.
Afterwards, we had the annual condo meeting where a lot of monetary stuff was discussed. Not much excitement, plus, we probably should eat AFTER the meeting, not before it.
There are six condos in the Topsail Arms. Met the two newest owners, a couple from Athens, Ohio. They bought their unit about two years ago and thought they got a great deal at $360,000.
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